About John

My mother Veronica came from the UK in 1968 to spend a year working as a nurse at aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, but liked Australia too much to leave.

My father Tony came to Australia in 1946 at the age of 6. After serving in the Royal Australian Navy, Dad started a water treatment business in Glynde. Recently retired, Dad was awarded the Premier's medal for services to the South Australian water industry.

I have lived in the heart of Morialta for most of my life. I currently own a house in Athelstone not too far from the area where I grew up in Rostrevor. I value my family, and growing up in a small family business environment has ingrained in me the importance of honesty and hard work.

I worked in the family water treatment business while studying in high school and university.

I have subsequently worked closely with all levels of Government, gaining broad policy experience and a grasp of how to get results for our area.

I have strong experience in education policy, as well as drug and alcohol prevention and rehabilitation.

Growing up, I enjoyed the fact that Morialta is home to some of the best parks and open spaces in South Australia and it always made sense to me that I would want to raise my family in this special part of Adelaide.

I appreciate the strong sense of service and volunteering that exists in our local community, and I enjoy the opportunity to support it as a member, patron or sponsor of a wide range of local community, service and sporting clubs.

Since being elected to the Parliament in March 2010, I have worked hard to be an effective advocate for our area. I have also held a range of Parliamentary responsibilities, and currently serve as Minister for Education and Manager of Business in the House of Assembly.

If you are interested in reading more about me, my beliefs and the reasons I ran for Parliament then please consider reading my Maiden Speech. Printed copies are also available from my office.

As the Member for Morialta I am here to represent you in the State Parliament. If I can ever be of assistance then please don't hesistate to contact me.